Holly is a 2 and a half year old cavachon.

At around 6 months old Holly started scratching excessively. So much so that she regularly caused her skin to bleed and become infected.
A change of food for a few weeks made no difference so blood samples were taken for skin allergy testing.

Results confirmed that Holly is extemely sensitive as to what she eats – she is allergic to beef,chicken, lamb, turkey and amazingly not to pork. The indoor allergy tests confirmed her intolernce to house dust mites.
Treatment has vastly improved Hollys itchiness but has not cured it.
This is what we regularly find at The Animal Hosptal, Tallght – we can manage but not cure skin allergies.

The main treatment that Holly is getting – on an ongoing basis – is a special low allergy food. Her owner has also purchased a high powered Dyson Pet hoover to keep dust mites to a minimum.

TIP – if your dog is scratching excessively from a young age – initially try a food change to see if that helps.

In December 2016 Bobby started drinking and urinating a lot. He also started eating much more food. Blood tests were taken over several weeks and confirmed that Bobby is a diabetic.
Diabetes in dogs is very common, although definitely more common in the female !! The most common clinical signs are excess drinking and urnation. It is really easy to rule it out by a simple in-house blood test.
Bobby is now getting insulin injections morning and evening and in great form – as you can see from todays picture of him.

TIP – if you have a diabetic dog be aware they can get LOW blood sugar when receiving insulin. Weakness and lethargy is usually the main signs. A couple of spoons of honey by mouth will usually sort the problem

Wilma had a large bladder stone causing her great pain and discomfort.

This is the bladder stone that was in Wilma

Bladder stones, or uroliths, are stone-like mineral deposits that form in the animal’s urinary bladder. Bladder stones may occur as a single deposit, or consist of many smaller pieces. They can be large (as in Wilma’s case) and take up most of the bladder, or be fine particles that are passed when the animal urinates.  As Wilmas stone was so large, she needed surgery to remove it from her bladder.

The two most common signs of bladder stones are blood in the urine, and straining to urinate. The blood is the result of the stones rubbing against the bladder wall. The straining results from the irritation to the bladder and urethra, or from small stones or sand passing out of the bladder when the animal urinates. If the stones move out of the bladder and get stuck in the urethra an obstruction occurs. This is a painful, life threatening condition. If the obstruction is not quickly relieved the bladder can rupture, and the animal will die. If you suspect a problem you should contact your veterinarian immediately

Prevention is always preferable to curing diseases. Your pet should always have plenty of clean, fresh water available. Just as important is the opportunity for your pet to pass urine. Frequent walks allow the animal to urinate and flush bacteria and crystals from the bladder.

Wilma made a great recovery and for her loving nature and endless patience through all the prodding and poking,  she thoroughly deserves Pet of the Month!

Wilma

Jessie is a 12 year old diabetic West Highland White Terrier. She also suffers from epilepsy and has had a rough time coping with both conditions over the last few months. She will be on medications for the rest of her life. She is much loved by her owners and deserves to be awarded June Pet of the Month.

Their owner suffers from a condition where he will collapse and take fits. Cassie will run off to get help while Max will stay by his side and mind him. They are a great team and the owner would be lost without them.